Four Signings Who Could Prove Great Value in the Summer Transfer Window
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By Jonathan Lewis | 30th Jun 2022
It has been a busy summer transfer window already for next season’s biggest clubs in England. They have been keen to strengthen their squads as much as possible before the new campaign begins.
Here is a look at some of those signings and who could prove to be great value for their respective clubs.
Diego Carlos (Aston Villa)
Brazilian defender Diego Carlos has been linked with a number of leading European clubs over the past few years, so it is a real coup for Aston Villa that they have been able to land his services for £26 million.
Steven Gerrard is hoping his side can take the next step in the 2022/23 campaign and push for a European spot. The addition of Carlos, to what is already a strong squad, will really help.
The new Villa defender played 136 times for Sevilla during his three-year spell at the club. He played in the Champions League and Europa League for the Spanish side, helping them to win the latter in 2020, after beating Inter Milan in the final.
Carlos will be doing all he can to make a positive start to the season in order to push for a spot in Tite’s World Cup squad for Brazil later this year. If he showcases what he produced for Sevilla in La Liga, he could prove to be a real bargain.
Ivan Perisic (Tottenham Hotspur)
Former Inter Milan boss Antonio Conte has snapped up Ivan Perisic from his former club on a free transfer. Although the midfielder is now 33 years old, he is a player who has a lot of ability.
England fans need no introduction to the Croatia international. Often, he has been the thorn for England in crucial international matches between the two nations. He scored against the Three Lions in the semi-final of the World Cup in 2018.
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Perisic’s experience will prove very useful for Conte in his Tottenham side. His aim will be to close the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool this season in the league, and his new signing can help him do that.
As of the 20th June, Tottenham are 28/1 in the sports betting for the Premier League title in the 2021/22 campaign. With Perisic added to their squad, they are likely to have a much better push for the crown this season.
Philippe Coutinho (Aston Villa)
Brazil international Philippe Coutinho made the decision to join his former Liverpool teammate Gerrard at Aston Villa last season, moving to Villa Park on loan. That deal has now been made permanent by the Midlands club, after they agreed a deal with Barcelona thought to be in the region of £17 million.
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Since moving to Barcelona from Liverpool, Coutinho has been unable to match the same level of form as he did in the Premier League. However, he remains a very good player. There were glimpses of what he is capable of during last season’s loan spell, as he scored five times for his new side.
At the age of 30, Coutinho is far from past his peak years. If he continues to enjoy his football at Villa Park, he could show why he is one of the most expensive footballers in the history of the game.
Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United)
West Ham qualified for European football for the second straight season when they finished sixth in the 2021/22 Premier League campaign. They have added to their ranks this summer with the signing of Nayef Aguerd from Rennes. The Moroccan defender has cost the Hammers £30 million.
David Moyes’ side were short of options in defence last year, so this is a big boost to his squad. The 26-year-old is a left-footed player who can play at full-back and centre-back, if required.
Aguerd played 66 times for Rennes before making this move to the Premier League. He has received 25 caps for his country, and he helped them qualify for the World Cup following a two-legged victory over DR Congo.
The new Premier League season begins on the weekend of the 5th August and will run through to the later date of 28th May, due to the World Cup which is scheduled for the winter.
Jonathan Lewis is an MFF sports writer
